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Veljko Dubljevic – Ethical Implications of Self-Driving Labs | GES Colloquium (Hybrid)
FALL SEMINAR SERIES
Ethical Implications of Self-Driving Labs
Hybrid: Biltmore 2006 + Zoom | Is it possible to mitigate specific ethical risks that arise from the integration of Self-Driving Labs (SDLs) into scientific research?
Note: The recordings of this talk will not be posted.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being used across scientific disciplines to integrate huge datasets, improve measurements, guide experiments, interpret data, and create reliable models that integrate seamlessly with scientific workflows for autonomous discovery (Wang et al., 2023). Self-driving labs (SDLs), or autonomous experimentation, serve as a prime example of how AI and machine learning (ML) merged with experimental research can enhance scientific discovery (Abolhasani et al., 2023). Current discussions on SDL’s primarily focus on their technological capabilities, yet critical ethical and metascientific questions remain underexplored. These include concerns about algorithmic bias (Steier & Bakhshi, 2023), the reliability of automated discoveries, and the role of human researchers (Musslick et al., 2025). A flawed dataset or an unintentional mistake can lead an SDL toward inaccurate conclusions and squander valuable resources, challenging scientific objectivity and reproducibility. Furthermore, there are concerns regarding how to regulate SDL technology and establish safeguards to prevent its misuse. Automation carries the risk of being exploited by malicious actors for harmful purposes, such as developing chemical or biological weapons (Musslick et al., 2025). There is an urgent need to develop frameworks to mitigate these issues, ensuring that SDLs enhance rather than undermine research integrity.
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Veljko Dubljevic, PhD
University Faculty Scholar, Joseph D. Moore Distinguished Professor at NC State University | Profile
Veljko Dubljević, Ph.D., D.Phil., University Faculty Scholar and Joseph D. Moore Distinguished Professor of Philosophy and STS (Science, Technology and Society), leads the NeuroComputational Ethics Research Group at NC State University. He is the Editor-in-Chief of American Journal of Bioethics – Neuroscience, series co-editor for “Advances in Neuroethics,” and serves on the Board of Directors of the International Neuroethics Society. He is a prolific author in Neuroethics and Ethics of AI, having published over 100 peer-reviewed articles and five books. He is the founding director of the center for AI in society and ethics (CASE).
The Genetic Engineering and Society (GES) Colloquium is a seminar series that brings in speakers to present and stimulate discussion on a variety of topics related to existing and proposed biotechnologies and their place within broader societal changes.
GES Colloquium is jointly taught by Drs. Katie Barnhill and Nourou Barry, and the seminars serve as a great opportunity for our students to build their networks and grow as professionals. To support their efforts, we encourage you to join our in-person seminars, which will now take place in Biltmore 2006.
Remember, we regularly post colloquium seminars as videos on Panopto and on our GES Lectures podcast, allowing you to revisit or catch up on these recordings at your convenience.
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